Tips

4WD and AWD: Do you need them?

Understand the difference and whether they're worth the extra cost.

January 31, 2018

When purchasing a new car, it’s tempting to sign up for as many extras as possible. If you’re like most people, you’re expecting this new car to last the next 11 years or so. Why get stuck with a car with basic functionality?

That’s a logical approach in most cases, but with four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), paying extra may not be worthwhile.

Generally, 4WD and AWD are necessary if you live in a climate where it snows and rains a lot. If you drive on dirt roads that are frequently muddy, then either can be a blessing. But if you drive mostly on the highway and live in a temperate climate, you’re likely better off spending your money elsewhere.

The pros of 4WD and AWD

Most cars have traditionally been two-wheel drive, meaning the engine propels two of the wheels and the other two are along for the ride. Usually, the rear wheels receive engine power. Though automakers experimented with front-wheel drive in the 1930s, the concept wasn’t widely available until the 1960s.

Historically, 4WD was mainly used for military vehicles. After World War II, Dodge began offering 4WD as a feature on trucks. GM and Ford outsourced 4WD to the aftermarket.

Subaru, meanwhile, pioneered AWD starting in the 1970s. The main difference between the two technologies is simple — AWD is automatically turned on, whereas 4WD must be initiated by the driver. The Audi Quattro also introduced AWD to many U.S. consumers in the 1980s.

The appeal of both systems is grip. Although 4WD and AWD don’t offer protection against slipping on black ice or hydroplaning, they do offer excellent traction. That means if you’re stuck, you have a better chance of getting out with 4WD or AWD.

The cons of 4WD and AWD

4WD and AWD are often extras and generally require several thousands of dollars more for the feature. In addition, AWD and 4WD cars and trucks have more complex drivetrains and are heavier than 2WD vehicles, so their gas mileage is worse. A 4WD or AWD system is also another component that can break down over time, adding to your repair bills.

These reasons may be why 4WD and AWD account for a minority of car sales — around 17.5%.

How to make the call

To determine if AWD or 4WD is worth the expense, ask yourself whether you’re likely to be in situations where your car gets stuck. If you frequently travel on dirt roads or live in a part of the country where it often snows, then the feature makes sense. But remember, 4WD and AWD don’t hedge against slippery conditions. Having power on all four wheels does not help with cornering or braking, for instance.

If you never travel on dirt roads and live somewhere like Los Angeles where it rarely snows, then 4WD or AWD is likely a needless expense. In that case, you might consider springing for safety features like backup cameras and tire-pressure monitoring systems instead. But if you don’t mind spending the money for these features, the 4WD Ford Explorer or the AWD Subaru Forester might help you out of a jam someday.